Take the driver’s seat and let Dad relax on Father’s Day by picking up a DriveNow campervan rental and hitting the road for a couple of days of sight-seeing, fishing and a few quiet ales with the bloke who brought you up. It’s a great way to say “cheers Dad, have a good one.’’
QUEENSLAND
Where: Brisbane to Bundaberg. Grab your Brisbane campervan rental and jump on Bruce Highway (M1) for four hours for a cool Queensland road trip weekend escape.
What to do: Head for the Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour – and a tasting, of course – find out how our country’s famous rum is made, watch out for drop bears and pull up a stool at the bar to finish the day with some Bundy cocktails.
Park your wheels: At Bargara Holiday Park, only 10 minutes east of Bundy and on the beach. Close to cafes and restaurants, golf courses, fishing and surfing. Powered sites start from $32 a night.
NSW
Where: Sydney to the Hunter Valley. A couple of hours’ drive in your Sydney campervan rental on the F3 and then take the Cessnock exit.
What to do: Visit the Hunter’s only microbrewery, the Hunter Beer Co at Potters Hotel and Brewery. Join a tour, talk to the brewers or just sit back in the beer garden, have a meal and sip some award-winning beers.
Park your wheels: At BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park where you will find powered caravan and tent sites at $35 a night. For those who want to stay put, there is a BYO Thai Restaurant, resort pool and BBQ facilities.
VICTORIA
Where: Melbourne to Healesville, just an hour’s drive in your Melbourne campervan rental on the Maroondah Highway.
What to do: Think Alice in Wonderland and high-tail it to the White Rabbit Brewery, where tradition is mixed with imagination and the result is some amazing beer tasting experiences.
Park your wheels: At Big4 Badger Creek Holiday Park, five minutes away from the White Rabbit. Nestled in a bush and lake setting, the park offers great walks and fishing, and the wineries of the Yarra Valley are close at hand. Powered sites are $35 a night.
MAUREEN DOYLE
